2009 Sweetwater Tuscany 2086RE3

[newbold1]

Hi Everyone,

My wife and I are looking to buy our first boat and found a new 2009 Sweetwater Tuscany 2086RE3 (20') selling for $17,900 that includes a Yamaha 90 Four Stroke motor, Jensen Radio CD/MP3, Boat Cover, Bimini Top, and Safety Equipment for 4 People... no trailer. That's okay thought because I plan to keep the boat at the marina full time.

I've looked at some other brands and with the 90hp 4 stroke this was by far the best price I've found.

We've looked at so many pontoons that honestly they've all started to look roughly the same in terms of quality. Any experienced boaters have any thoughts as to whether this seems like a good deal and an appropriate choice for a first boat?

Mostly, we want a boat where we can travel around Old Hickory Lake (TN) at a leisurely but not ridiculously slow pace. My daughter might like to do a little tubing but again, not at terribly high speeds. I've been doing some research and I get the impression that this boat will probably do about 20-25 mph with two adults and one teenager on board. BUT... that speed would probably rapidly use up the fuel. I figure more economical cruising would be around 10 mph or so?

Do these assumptions seem about right? Any suggestions on things I should try to work into this deal before making the purchase?

 

[5150abf]

Re: 2009 Sweetwater Tuscany 2086RE3

I would beg to differ on the quality statement but we won't go there.

Sweetwater is a Godfrey boat, they have been bulding toons forever and have a pretty good boat and the price seems pretty good, there are some brands better and alot worse.

A 20 should make a very nice first boat, they are small enough to manuver but big enough to do what you want and it should do all the things you want.

I along with most here recommend a safe boater coarse for all first time boaters, alot goes on on the water and it is good to have a leg up with the class.

 

[newbold1]

Re: 2009 Sweetwater Tuscany 2086RE3

I'm not saying that they are actually all of the same quality. It's just that as a first time buyer... on the surface they just seem to be near the same. I am sure that there are probably specific things to look for that I am just not noticing as a novice that an experienced boat owner would see which I would miss.

I'm just looking for a basic but overall good quality boat that isn't overpriced for what it is. It sounds like this boat should work out well for me. Thanks for the feedback!

 

[5150abf]

Re: 2009 Sweetwater Tuscany 2086RE3

I build them for a living so I tend to look at different things than other people do, most folks just look at the furniture and the stereo where I am seeing how the brackets are welded on the tubes and how do they attach the deck and crossmembers.
Godfrey as I said, has been around for a long long time and they still make a good boat, you should be happy with it.

 

[newbold1]

Re: 2009 Sweetwater Tuscany 2086RE3

Thanks!

Those are the things that I know are important but don't actually know what I should expect when I inspect. Being a novice, when I look at the underlying workmanship it's hard for me to tell for sure what is "good", "acceptable", or "bad". My family has been involved in building homes for decades and as a result I usually notice things about the build quality of a home that most people completely miss. I think that's kind of where I am at when looking at boats. I don't know the first thing about them except for what I am starting to pick up from others and this forum.

My wife and I both grew up around boats... we were kids then though and we never personally owned a boat. It's something I've always wanted to do but the time was never right for doing it... other priorities.

I am glad to hear that the Sweetwater isn't a boat to stay away from.